Is flying still safe? Here’s what experts say

CNN — The midair collision on Wednesday night over the Potomac River near Washington DC is the latest in a string of global incidents that have many air travelers on edge. “I don’t know that passengers should be worried, but I think it’s important for the flying public to be vocal and demand that the government and the different entities do everything possible to make air travel as safe as possible,” said Anthony Brickhouse, a US-based aviation safety expert. Its November 2023 final report cited inconsistent funding, outdated technology, short-staffed air traffic control towers and onerous training requirements among the issues “rendering the current level of safety unsustainable.” The agency announced some immediate action related to hiring and training new air traffic controllers. In its most recent safety report, IATA, the trade association of the world’s airlines, called 2023 “an exceptionally safe year,” with a total of 30 accidents in the commercial aviation sector. “There’s a blame game now, but the reality is that both Republicans and Democrats have starved the FAA of the funds they need to have the world’s best air traffic control system,” says Thomas.